This year, the 11th for ShipRocked and the 7th for me and the Chop Shop we boarded the ship In New Orleans. The first couple of hours were filled with greeting friends and musical acquaintances. A hug from Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge, a big smile and handshake with Vernon Reid of Living Colour and quick greetings with Ben Wells and the guys from Black Stone Cherry.
As the ship headed out to open water Halestorm took the big stage on the deck and absolutely smoked!
By 7pm I had moved to the theater to see the debut show from Clint Lowery of Sevendust. I had to skate out of that show early to shoot a couple of photos of Ded back on the deck stage.
Up next on my schedule was Goodbye June in a cool little old school club on deck 5 at the back of the ship. I love their new dirty blues mixed with southern rock sound. Again I had to slip out before the show was over to catch Living Colour’s soulful bend of funk,rock, endless ability and attitude.
I was starting to feel the wear of a long couple of days as I wandered down to deck 3 for a Johnny Cash, Tom Petty tribute band called Petty Cash.
Capping off a wonderful night of rock & roll on the ocean I caught a few songs from Dead Sara and then made my way into the Black Stone Cherry show.
A very strong day #1 is in the books.
